Best Electric Furnaces With Heat Pump

If you want an all-electric HVAC system that can heat and cool your home, one of the best configurations to consider is a heat pump paired

with an electric air handler and backup electric heat strips.
This setup is sometimes described as an electric furnace with a heat pump,
although technically the indoor unit is usually an electric air
handler
rather than a conventional furnace.The heat pump handles most normal heating and cooling operation by moving
heat rather than creating heat with electric resistance elements. When
outdoor temperatures become very low or the heat pump cannot provide enough
capacity, electric resistance heat strips can provide supplemental or
emergency heat.This configuration is particularly attractive for homeowners who want to
eliminate natural gas, propane, or oil while retaining a conventional
ducted HVAC system.ENERGY STAR notes that air-source heat pumps can deliver substantially more
heat energy to a home than the electrical energy they consume because they
move heat rather than generate it directly. 0

Best Electric Furnace With Heat Pump Systems at a Glance

There is no single best combination for every U.S. home. Climate,
electricity prices, home size, ductwork, electrical service, and the
availability of qualified installers all affect the best choice.

Category Best Type Best For
Best Overall Variable-speed heat pump + variable-speed air handler Most all-electric homes
Best Premium Communicating variable-capacity heat pump + matching air handler Maximum comfort and control
Best Value Single- or two-stage heat pump + ECM air handler Budget-conscious homeowners
Best for Cold Climates Cold-climate heat pump + staged electric backup Northern U.S. homes
Best for Quiet Operation Variable-speed inverter heat pump + variable-speed blower Bedrooms and noise-sensitive homes
Best for Existing Ductwork Ducted heat pump + electric air handler Replacing an existing electric or gas furnace
Best for Large Homes Variable-capacity heat pump + high-CFM air handler Large houses and zoned systems

Electric Furnace vs Electric Air Handler

The terminology can be confusing.

A traditional electric furnace uses electric resistance heating elements
as its primary heat source. An air handler is primarily an indoor blower
and coil assembly designed to work with an air conditioner or heat pump.
Electric heat strips can be installed inside the air handler to provide
supplemental or emergency heating.

Therefore, when shopping for an “electric furnace with heat pump,” you will
frequently encounter products listed as:

  • Electric air handler
  • Heat-pump air handler
  • Electric heat-pump system
  • Air handler with electric heat kit
  • All-electric ducted HVAC system

Trane, for example, describes an air handler as the indoor component that
circulates heated or cooled air and notes that supplemental electric heat
strips can be installed for colder conditions. 1

Lennox similarly explains that its air handlers circulate heat when paired
with a heat pump and can use supplemental electric heating. 2

How an Electric Furnace and Heat Pump System Works

An all-electric ducted system normally has two major heating mechanisms:

  1. The outdoor heat pump.
  2. Electric resistance heating elements inside the air handler.

During normal heating operation, the heat pump extracts heat from outdoor
air and transfers that heat indoors.

Even when outdoor air feels cold, it contains thermal energy. Modern
cold-climate heat pumps are specifically designed to continue extracting
heat at low outdoor temperatures.

When the heat pump cannot satisfy the heating demand, supplemental electric
heat can activate.

Typical Operating Sequence

  1. Thermostat detects a heating demand.
  2. Heat pump starts heating.
  3. Variable-speed blower adjusts airflow.
  4. Heat pump continues operating while it can efficiently meet the load.
  5. Electric heat strips activate when supplemental heat is required.
  6. Heat strips shut off once the heat pump can again satisfy the demand.

Exact control logic varies by equipment manufacturer, thermostat, outdoor
temperature, heat-pump capacity, and installation configuration.

Why Pair a Heat Pump With Electric Backup Heat?

Electric resistance heat provides a simple backup source because it does
not depend on outdoor refrigerant-cycle performance.

The heat strips can provide additional heat during unusually cold weather,
during certain defrost conditions, or when the heat pump cannot keep up
with the home’s heating load.

This makes the combination particularly useful in regions where winter
temperatures can occasionally fall below the economical operating range
of the heat pump.

ENERGY STAR recommends considering the integration of a backup heating
system when selecting a heat pump, particularly for cold climates. 3

Best Brands for Electric Furnace and Heat Pump Systems

The major brands worth comparing include Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem,
Goodman, Mitsubishi Electric, and Daikin.

Brand Strongest Area System Type to Consider
Carrier Premium integrated systems Variable-capacity heat pump + matching air handler
Trane Comfort and air-handler technology Variable-speed heat pump + Hyperion air handler
Lennox High efficiency and premium controls Variable-capacity heat pump + variable-speed air handler
Rheem Value and controls Variable-speed heat pump + EcoNet-compatible air handler
Goodman Value and straightforward equipment Variable-speed heat pump + electric air handler
Mitsubishi Electric Cold-climate heat-pump technology Inverter heat pump + compatible ducted air handler
Daikin Inverter technology and cold climates Variable-speed heat pump + air handler

Carrier: Best Premium Electric Heat-Pump System

Carrier is a strong choice for homeowners who want an integrated,
communicating HVAC system with sophisticated capacity and airflow control.

The most attractive configurations combine a high-end Carrier heat pump
with a compatible variable-speed air handler and properly sized electric
heat kit.

Advantages

  • Advanced system controls
  • Variable-speed technology
  • Strong heat-pump lineup
  • Good zoning potential
  • Broad U.S. dealer network
  • Premium comfort features

Carrier makes the most sense when you have access to a highly qualified
Carrier dealer who can commission the entire matched system correctly.

Trane: Best for Variable-Speed Airflow and Comfort

Trane is particularly interesting for homeowners who want an advanced
variable-speed air handler.

Trane’s Hyperion air-handler platform uses advanced blower technology and
can be configured with electric heating. Trane specifically lists a
variable-speed motor, Vortica blower technology, humidity-control features,
optional electric heat, and heat-pump compatibility among its air-handler
capabilities. 4

Best For

  • Large homes
  • Multi-zone systems
  • Homeowners prioritizing quiet airflow
  • Heat-pump conversions
  • Advanced thermostat systems

Trane also offers a 120V modular variable-speed air handler designed
specifically to simplify some furnace-to-heat-pump conversions where
existing furnace electrical wiring may otherwise require modification.
5

Lennox: Best Premium Efficiency and Comfort

Lennox is another strong premium option for an all-electric heat-pump
system.

Select Lennox air handlers use variable-speed technology and can be paired
with heat pumps and supplemental electric heating. 6

Why Consider Lennox?

  • Premium variable-speed technology
  • Strong heat-pump options
  • Advanced controls
  • Quiet operation
  • Good humidity-control potential

Lennox is best suited to homeowners who are comfortable paying more for
premium equipment and who have access to an experienced local Lennox
installer.

Rheem: Best Value-Oriented Electric Heat-Pump System

Rheem is worth considering when you want modern variable-speed equipment
without necessarily moving to the highest premium price category.

Rheem’s EcoNet ecosystem can provide advanced control across compatible
HVAC equipment.

Advantages

  • Good value proposition
  • Variable-speed equipment options
  • Heat-pump compatibility
  • Smart-control ecosystem
  • Broad contractor availability

A Rheem system installed by an excellent contractor can be a better
investment than a more expensive premium system installed poorly.

Goodman: Best Budget-Friendly Electric Heat-Pump Combination

Goodman is a popular choice for homeowners prioritizing initial purchase
price and straightforward serviceability.

A Goodman variable-speed heat pump combined with a compatible electric air
handler and heat kit can provide a practical all-electric HVAC solution.

Best For

  • Budget-conscious homeowners
  • Rental properties
  • Replacement projects
  • Existing duct systems
  • Homeowners who value straightforward equipment

The biggest consideration is not simply the Goodman model. Verify that the
contractor is using a properly matched system and commissioning it
correctly.

Mitsubishi Electric: Best for Cold-Climate Heat Pumps

Mitsubishi Electric deserves consideration when cold-weather heat-pump
performance is a major priority.

Its inverter-driven heat-pump technology is designed to vary compressor
output rather than repeatedly operating only at full capacity.

For ducted applications, the heat pump can be paired with compatible
air-handler equipment, with electric backup heat where appropriate.

This type of system is particularly attractive in northern states where
homeowners want to rely heavily on heat-pump heating rather than electric
resistance heat.

Daikin: Another Strong Cold-Climate Option

Daikin offers inverter-based heat-pump technology and ducted system
configurations that can be paired with electric backup heating.

Daikin is worth comparing with Mitsubishi Electric, Carrier, Trane, and
other manufacturers when cold-climate performance is important.

As with every heat-pump installation, compare actual low-temperature
capacity rather than relying only on the nominal tonnage or maximum
efficiency rating.

Best Types of Electric Furnace and Heat Pump Systems

1. Variable-Capacity Heat Pump + Variable-Speed Air Handler

This is the premium configuration.

The outdoor heat pump adjusts compressor output while the indoor blower
adjusts airflow. The result can be exceptionally smooth operation and
excellent temperature control.

This is usually the best choice for homeowners who prioritize comfort over
minimum upfront cost.

2. Variable-Speed Heat Pump + Electric Air Handler

This configuration offers many of the benefits of advanced inverter
technology without necessarily moving to the most expensive system.

3. Two-Stage Heat Pump + Variable-Speed Air Handler

A two-stage heat pump can operate at a lower capacity during mild
conditions and use higher capacity when necessary.

Combined with a variable-speed blower, this can provide a good balance
between comfort and cost.

4. Single-Stage Heat Pump + ECM Air Handler

This is a more affordable configuration.

It can still provide efficient heat-pump heating and cooling, although it
generally provides less capacity modulation than an inverter system.

Why Variable-Speed Air Handlers Are Recommended

A variable-speed blower can adjust airflow according to the system’s
operating requirements.

This is particularly useful with variable-capacity heat pumps because the
indoor airflow can be coordinated with changing outdoor-unit capacity.

Benefits Include:

  • Quieter startup and operation
  • More gradual airflow
  • Improved temperature consistency
  • Better humidity management potential
  • Better zoning compatibility
  • Improved heat-pump integration

Trane’s current variable-speed air-handler specifications, for example,
include a multi-speed ECM motor, Vortica blower, humidity-control
technology, optional electric heat, and heat-pump compatibility.
7

Best Electric Furnace and Heat Pump for Cold Climates

Cold-climate homeowners should not select a heat pump based solely on its
maximum SEER2 rating.

Heating performance at low outdoor temperatures is far more important.

ENERGY STAR’s cold-climate heat-pump criteria include performance testing
at 5°F. For qualifying ducted split systems, the criteria include a minimum
COP at 5°F and a minimum percentage of heating capacity retained at that
temperature. 8

Look for:

  • Cold-climate certification where appropriate
  • Published heating capacity at 5°F
  • Heating capacity at 17°F
  • Low-temperature COP
  • Variable-speed or inverter compressor
  • Proper defrost control
  • Correctly sized electric backup heat
  • Cold-weather installation experience

A heat pump that maintains strong capacity at 5°F is generally much more
useful in a northern climate than a system with a slightly higher
efficiency rating measured under warmer conditions.

How Electric Backup Heat Works

Electric heat strips are resistance heating elements installed inside the
air handler.

When electricity passes through the resistance elements, they become hot.
The blower moves air across them and distributes the heat throughout the
house.

Unlike a heat pump, resistance heat does not move heat from outdoors.
Almost all of the electrical input becomes heat.

This makes resistance heat reliable but comparatively expensive to operate
when electricity prices are high.

Why Not Use Heat Strips All the Time?

Because the heat pump can normally deliver more heating energy per unit of
electricity consumed.

ENERGY STAR states that an air-source heat pump can deliver up to three
times more heat energy to the home than the electrical energy it consumes.
9

Therefore, the heat pump should generally handle as much of the heating
load as practical, while the resistance elements provide supplemental
capacity when needed.

Heat Pump Efficiency: SEER2 and HSPF2

Heat-pump systems use different efficiency measurements from electric
resistance furnaces.

Rating What It Measures
SEER2 Seasonal cooling efficiency
EER2 Cooling efficiency under specified conditions
HSPF2 Seasonal heating efficiency
COP Ratio of heat delivered to electrical energy consumed

Current ENERGY STAR criteria for split-system heat pumps include minimum
SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 requirements, with additional low-temperature
requirements for cold-climate systems. 10

Do Not Choose Based on SEER2 Alone

A homeowner in Minnesota should place substantially more emphasis on
winter heating performance than a homeowner in Florida.

Conversely, in a hot climate, cooling efficiency and humidity control may
have greater importance.

How to Size an Electric Furnace and Heat Pump

Proper sizing is one of the most important parts of a heat-pump
installation.

Do not select a system simply because a contractor says your home needs a
certain number of tons based on square footage.

ENERGY STAR recommends using a Manual J load calculation
to determine the appropriate heating and cooling capacity. 11

The Calculation Should Consider:

  • Local climate
  • Home square footage
  • Insulation
  • Windows
  • Air leakage
  • Ceiling height
  • Orientation
  • Basement or crawlspace
  • Duct losses
  • Indoor design temperature

Oversizing a heat pump can reduce its ability to operate efficiently at
lower capacity and may increase cycling in certain systems.

How Much Backup Heat Do You Need?

The required heat-strip capacity depends on the heat-pump capacity, home’s
heating load, climate, and the temperature at which supplemental heat is
expected to operate.

Common residential electric heat kits include capacities such as 5 kW,
8 kW, 10 kW, 15 kW, and 20 kW, although actual options depend on the
air-handler model.

More backup heat is not automatically better.

Large heat strips can create substantial electrical demand and may require
significant electrical-service capacity.

How Much Does an Electric Furnace With Heat Pump Cost?

Installed pricing varies considerably throughout the United States.
Equipment tier, system capacity, electrical upgrades, duct modifications,
refrigerant requirements, thermostat controls, local labor rates, and
rebates can all affect the final cost.

As a broad planning range, homeowners should expect a complete central
heat-pump and air-handler installation to cost substantially more than
simply replacing an electric resistance furnace.

System Type Relative Installed Cost
Basic electric furnace $
Basic heat pump + electric air handler $$
Two-stage heat pump + variable-speed air handler $$$
Variable-capacity heat pump + premium air handler $$$$
Premium cold-climate system + electrical upgrades $$$$+

Always obtain multiple local quotes that specify the exact outdoor unit,
indoor air handler, heat kit, thermostat, electrical work, duct
modifications, and commissioning procedure.

Electrical Requirements

One of the biggest issues when converting a gas furnace to an
all-electric heat pump is electrical capacity.

The heat pump itself uses electricity, while the backup heat strips can
create a much larger electrical load.

For example, a 10-kW resistance heat kit draws approximately:

10,000 W ÷ 240 V = 41.7 A

A 15-kW heat kit would draw approximately 62.5 A at 240 V under the same
simplified calculation.

These calculations do not determine the correct breaker, conductor size,
or service requirements. Those must be determined from the equipment
installation instructions and applicable electrical code by a qualified
professional.

Check Your Home’s Electrical Load

  • Existing electrical service size
  • Heat-pump load
  • Heat-strip load
  • Electric water heater
  • Electric range
  • Electric dryer
  • EV charger
  • Other large electrical loads

Can You Replace a Gas Furnace With an Electric Heat Pump?

In many homes, yes.

A common conversion replaces the gas furnace with an electric air handler
and installs a compatible outdoor heat pump.

The existing ductwork can potentially remain if it is appropriately sized
and in good condition.

However, the electrical service may need to be evaluated, and the
contractor needs to determine whether the existing duct system can provide
the required airflow.

Trane specifically markets a 120V modular variable-speed air handler for
certain furnace-to-heat-pump conversions, making this type of replacement
easier in some applications. 12

Should You Keep the Gas Furnace Instead?

Not necessarily.

If natural gas is inexpensive and readily available, a gas furnace can
remain economically attractive in some climates.

However, if you want to eliminate combustion equipment, use electricity
generated from renewable sources, or reduce dependence on fossil fuels,
an all-electric heat pump can be an attractive alternative.

In an existing home, another possibility is a dual-fuel
system
, where the heat pump handles moderate temperatures and the
gas furnace handles colder conditions.

This is different from an all-electric system because the gas furnace
remains as the backup heat source.

Best Electric Heat-Pump Systems by U.S. Climate

Hot Climates

In states such as Florida, Texas, Arizona, and parts of the Southeast,
cooling performance can be more important than extreme cold-weather
heating performance.

Prioritize high SEER2 efficiency, humidity control, variable-speed
operation, and strong local service availability.

Mixed Climates

States such as Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, and parts of the Pacific
Northwest can benefit from variable-speed heat pumps that provide efficient
heating and cooling across a wide range of conditions.

Cold Climates

In states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, and parts of
Colorado and the Northeast, prioritize cold-climate heating capacity,
low-temperature COP, defrost performance, and correctly sized backup heat.

ENERGY STAR’s cold-climate criteria specifically evaluate heat-pump
performance at 5°F, making low-temperature performance an important
comparison point for northern homeowners. 13

Heat Pump vs Electric Furnace

Feature Electric Furnace Heat Pump
Primary heating method Electric resistance Moves outdoor heat indoors
Cooling Requires separate AC Built into the system
Heating efficiency Resistance heating Generally much higher under suitable conditions
Backup heating Not normally needed Can use electric heat strips
Outdoor unit No Yes
Cold-weather operation Reliable Depends on model and climate
Cooling capability No Yes
Potential operating cost Higher Usually lower for heating

ENERGY STAR specifically recommends heat pumps as an alternative to
electric resistance heating because of their ability to deliver more heat
per unit of electricity. 14

Heat Pump + Electric Furnace vs Gas Furnace

Factor Heat Pump + Electric Backup Gas Furnace
Energy source Electricity Natural gas/propane
Cooling Included Requires AC
Combustion No Yes
Backup heat Electric resistance Gas burner
Cold-climate performance Model dependent Strong
Electrical demand Higher Lower
Fuel delivery Not required Required for gas/propane

Do Heat Pumps Work Below Freezing?

Yes.

Modern heat pumps can continue heating at temperatures well below freezing.
The important question is not whether the heat pump can operate below
freezing, but how much heating capacity and efficiency it retains
at those temperatures
.

ENERGY STAR’s cold-climate designation evaluates systems at 5°F, including
both heating capacity retention and coefficient of performance. 15

Homeowners in extremely cold areas should therefore compare published
low-temperature performance rather than relying on the nominal heating
capacity printed on a product brochure.

Common Buying Mistakes

1. Calling Any Heat Pump an “Electric Furnace”

A heat pump and electric furnace perform different functions. The air
handler may contain resistance heat, while the heat pump supplies the
primary heating and cooling.

2. Choosing the Highest SEER2 Rating

Maximum cooling efficiency does not automatically mean maximum winter
performance.

3. Ignoring Low-Temperature Capacity

Cold-climate buyers should examine heating capacity at temperatures such as
5°F and 17°F.

4. Oversizing the Heat Pump

Bigger is not always better. Proper load calculation is essential.

5. Installing Excessively Large Heat Strips

Oversized backup resistance heat can create very high electrical demand.

6. Ignoring Electrical Service

A home with a 100-amp service may require careful electrical planning before
installing a large all-electric HVAC system.

7. Choosing Equipment Before Choosing the Installer

Heat-pump performance depends heavily on proper refrigerant charging,
airflow, ductwork, controls, commissioning, and system matching.

Electric Furnace With Heat Pump Buying Checklist

Specification What to Check
Heating load Manual J calculation
Heat pump Exact model and heating capacity
Low-temperature capacity Capacity at 5°F and 17°F where applicable
HSPF2 Seasonal heating efficiency
SEER2 Seasonal cooling efficiency
Air handler Compatible matched indoor unit
Blower Variable-speed ECM where desired
Heat kit Correct supplemental heating capacity
Electrical service Capacity for heat pump and heat strips
Ductwork Correct airflow and static pressure
Thermostat Compatible with heat pump and auxiliary heat
Warranty Model-specific warranty terms
Installer Experienced heat-pump contractor

What Is the Best Setup for Most U.S. Homes?

For many homeowners, a strong target configuration is:

  • Variable-speed inverter heat pump
  • Variable-speed ECM air handler
  • Staged electric resistance backup
  • Compatible communicating or advanced thermostat
  • Correctly sized ductwork
  • Manual J load calculation

This configuration lets the heat pump perform most heating and cooling
duties while retaining electric resistance heat as a backup.

It also provides a path toward an entirely electric home without requiring
a separate gas heating appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best electric furnace with a heat pump?

Technically, the best configuration is usually a heat pump paired with a
compatible electric air handler containing properly sized resistance heat
strips. For premium systems, Carrier, Trane, and Lennox are strong choices,
while Rheem and Goodman can offer attractive value.

Can a heat pump replace an electric furnace?

Yes. A heat pump can provide the primary heating and cooling, while an
electric air handler with resistance heat strips provides supplemental or
emergency heating.

Is an electric furnace more efficient than a heat pump?

No, not for normal heating operation. Electric resistance heating converts
electricity directly into heat, while a heat pump moves heat from outdoors.
A properly operating heat pump can deliver substantially more heat per unit
of electricity. 16

Do I need an electric furnace if I have a heat pump?

You do not necessarily need a separate electric furnace. Many ducted
all-electric systems use a heat-pump air handler with integrated electric
heat strips.

What is the difference between auxiliary heat and emergency heat?

Auxiliary heat generally refers to supplemental heat that operates
automatically when the heat pump needs additional capacity. Emergency heat
is a user-selected operating mode that typically forces the backup heat
source to operate instead of the heat pump.

Are heat pumps good in cold climates?

Modern cold-climate heat pumps can perform effectively at low outdoor
temperatures. However, homeowners should compare actual low-temperature
heating capacity and efficiency rather than relying only on the nominal
capacity.

What is the best heat pump for a northern U.S. home?

Look for a cold-climate-rated system with strong heating capacity at 5°F,
good low-temperature COP, variable-speed or inverter operation, and
appropriately sized backup heat.

Can a heat pump use electric heat strips?

Yes. Many ducted heat-pump air handlers can accept electric resistance heat
kits for supplemental or emergency heating.

How much electricity does electric backup heat use?

Resistance heat can consume substantial electricity. A 10-kW heat kit, for
example, uses approximately 10 kWh for each hour it operates continuously
at full rated output. Actual consumption depends on cycling and staging.

Should I install a variable-speed air handler?

It is generally a good choice when paired with a variable-capacity heat
pump, especially if you value quiet operation, consistent temperatures,
zoning, and advanced humidity control.

Can I use my existing ducts with a heat pump?

Often, yes. The ducts should be inspected for adequate airflow, static
pressure, leakage, insulation, and return-air capacity before installation.

Will a heat pump work during a power outage?

No. A conventional electric heat pump and electric resistance backup both
require electricity. A generator or appropriately designed backup power
system would be required for operation during an outage.

Does a heat pump eliminate the need for a gas line?

If the heat pump and other household appliances are all electric, it can
eliminate the need for natural gas for space heating. Whether the entire
home’s gas service can be disconnected depends on other gas appliances.

Is a heat pump cheaper to operate than electric resistance heat?

Usually, yes. Because a heat pump transfers heat rather than generating it
directly, it can deliver substantially more heat per unit of electricity
under suitable operating conditions. 17

Final Verdict: Best Electric Furnace With Heat Pump

If you are searching for an “electric furnace with heat pump,” the system
you should usually be evaluating is an all-electric heat-pump
system with a variable-speed air handler and electric resistance backup
heat
.

For premium installations, Carrier, Trane, and Lennox are
excellent brands to investigate. Rheem and Goodman are
compelling alternatives when equipment value and local service availability
matter more. Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin deserve
particular consideration for homeowners focused on advanced inverter and
cold-climate heat-pump technology.

The most important decision, however, is not the logo on the outdoor unit.
The complete system must be correctly sized and matched.

ENERGY STAR recommends Manual J sizing and emphasizes proper system sizing
and backup-heating integration. 18

Before signing a contract, ask the installer for the exact:

  1. Heat-pump model number
  2. Air-handler model number
  3. Heat-kit size
  4. Heating capacity at 47°F
  5. Heating capacity at 17°F
  6. Heating capacity at 5°F if relevant
  7. HSPF2 rating
  8. SEER2 rating
  9. Low-temperature COP
  10. Electrical-service requirements
  11. Required duct airflow
  12. Thermostat/control requirements

For a typical U.S. homeowner seeking an efficient all-electric replacement,
the strongest overall formula is:


Variable-speed heat pump + variable-speed air handler + staged electric
backup heat + properly designed ductwork.

That combination provides heating, cooling, airflow control, and backup
heating in one integrated system while avoiding combustion equipment.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top